Computer classes for seniors coming to Pinecrest Library

By Christopher Lopez and Kathleen Bulger….Calling all seniors! Conquer a new frontier and become the neighborhood computer expert with the help of the Pinecrest Branch Library’s free computer classes.

Staff will make it easy to learn the basics of computers, email and social networking functions while working in a relaxed and slow-paced environment. Seniors can meet new friends and develop the confidence needed to gain valuable computer skills.

Computers are not just for nerds. Everyday activities such as reading news from around the world, exploring hobbies, and chatting with friends and family will become convenient and fun. Show the grandkids a thing or two and join the thousands of other seniors around the world who are sharing their knowledge online and are discovering new ways to stay connected right from their own homes.

The classes will explore how computers can open up a new world where families and friends can reconnect even when scattered around the globe.

Computer lessons are structured especially for those folks who think a mouse should be kept in a cage and for those who are interested in learning the very basics in computing skills, email and social networking functions.

Session One: Fridays, Jan. 7, 14 and 21 — Start Me Up! Learn the basic “ins and outs” of computer hardware and the vocabulary that seems so technical, but makes sense when it is explained in context. Exercise with Mousercise and learn to navigate using a mouse. Tackle the Internet and learn to discover sites without hesitation. This introduction to computers will put the world at your fingertips. Gain easy access to information on any topic. It is all out there and ready to be explored.

Session Two: Fridays, Feb. 4, 11 and 18 — Recipe for Success! Microsoft Word is the typewriter of computer programs. Learning to use it will provide a solid foundation for almost everything you need or want to do with computers. Use it to type cards and letters for the holiday season, make your own cookbook, create a family tree or just help the grand kids with their school projects.

Session Three: Fridays, Mar. 4, 11 and 25 — Keeping in Touch! Want to talk to your family and friends but they are too far away to visit, or perhaps it is too difficult to hear what someone is saying over a noisy phone line? Don’t let these problems keep you from communicating. Open your own free email account and learn to send and receive messages and photos like a pro.

Session Four: Fridays, Apr. 8, 15 and 22 — Networking! Wish you knew what your friends were doing? Well then go to the No. 1 online destination for seniors: Facebook. Socializing “ain’t” what it used to be. With social networking, you still can go out with your friends and play bingo on Friday night, but all the while staying connected with virtually anyone on the planet via Facebook. Just answer the question “What’s on your mind?” and all your friends will know what you are up to. You also can share comments about daily events. Learn how to locate and chat with family, upload photos, join groups, and reunite with old friends.

Each series is comprised of three classes, which are held on three Fridays of the month in the auditorium, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, call 305-668-4571, and speak with staff at the reference desk.